Vermont § 1213a - Immobilization of vehicle

§ 1213a. Immobilization of vehicle

• (a) Immobilization. At the time of sentencing after a second or subsequent conviction under section 1201 of this title, the court may, upon the motion of the State, and in addition to any penalty imposed
  by law, order the motor vehicle operated by the defendant at the time of the offense
  seized and immobilized by a law enforcement agency designated by the court, as provided
  in this section and section 1213c of this title. (b) Immobilization on owner’s property. A motor vehicle subject to an immobilization order shall be immobilized, whenever
  possible, on property owned by the owner of the vehicle or on a parking space legally
  available to the owner of the vehicle. An immobilized vehicle is not exempt from enforcement
  of liens held by third parties. (c) Immobilization on State or private property. If the owner of the motor vehicle does not own property or have a parking area on
  which the vehicle can be immobilized, the vehicle shall be impounded on property owned
  by the State or on private property. All costs of impoundment shall be paid by the
  defendant. The period of impoundment shall run as if the vehicle were immobilized. (d) Expiration of immobilization order. An order of immobilization under this section shall expire in 18 months or when the
  defendant obtains a valid operator’s license, whichever comes first. (e) Release of vehicle. When an immobilization order expires, and when the costs provided for in this section
  have been paid in full by the defendant, the vehicle shall be released to its owner. (f) Costs. All costs of towing and impoundment shall be paid by the defendant before the vehicle
  is released to its owner. If the defendant fails to pay the towing and impoundment
  costs within 30 days after the immobilization order expires, the State is authorized
  to sell the vehicle by public auction pursuant to the procedures in section 1213c
  of this subchapter. The proceeds from the sale of the vehicle shall be used first
  to offset the costs of towing, impounding, and releasing the vehicle. Any balance
  remaining, after any liens on the vehicle have been paid in full, shall be paid to
  the owner of the vehicle. (g) Disbursement of proceeds. Proceeds from the defendant’s payment of the release fee and towing and impoundment
  costs shall be disbursed to the law enforcement agencies that incurred the costs. (h) Tampering. A person who tampers with an immobilization device or mobilizes a vehicle that is
  subject to an order of immobilization shall be imprisoned not more than two years
  or fined not more than $1,000.00, or both. (Added 1997, No. 117 (Adj. Sess.), § 18; amended 2025, No. 18, § 42, eff. May 13, 2025.)